Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State chapter, has expressed worry over the deteriorating security situation in the state.
Citing the past few days that kidnappers have been having filled day in Jalingo and other parts of the state, the association urged the state government to immediately set proactive measures in motion to address the issue before it escalates.
The Chairman, Dr Isaiah Magaji, in a statement, yesterday, lamented: “In the past few days, Jalingo and some communities across the state have witnessed worrisome kidnapping activities, which led to loss of innocent lives, while families are forced to pay huge amounts as ransom.
“Those, who could not raise ransom, are still in the den of the kidnappers, facing ill-treatment. Activities of kidnappers and armed bandits in the state have brought untold hardship and tears to some poor families in the face of the already tough economic situation.”
The Guardian gathered that kidnapping and other social ills are on the increase in Jalingo, Bali, TakumUssa and other local councils.
To curb the situation, CAN charged monarchs across the state to put in place mechanisms to checkmate the influx of persons into their communities.
It stressed the need for monarchs to liaise with relevant security agencies to fish out those making life cumbersome for the people in their communities.
“Peaceful coexistence should be our collective responsibility. Everyone should prioritise their security and should not condone undesirable elements in their neighbourhood.
“These evil people are not ghosts; they are humans and live among us. If you suspect something, speak out and expose it before it becomes too late,” CAN added.
Passionately calling on all, irrespective of religious belief, to help the authorities in exposing those with bad intentions for the state, the association noted that harbouring criminals would do the communities, state, and country no good.
SOURCE: The Guardian
